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Dancing jewel

Dancing jewel

Platycypha caligata

A species of Platycypha

The species is on the IUCN Red List as not endangered, year of assessment 2009.

General Info About Dancing jewel
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Attributes of Dancing jewel
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Dancing jewel is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Dancing jewel typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Dancing jewel
It is found in eastern, central and southern Africa from Ethiopia to Angola and South Africa.
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Adult Size of Dancing jewel
1.8 - 2.5 cm
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Predators of Dancing jewel Larvae
Fish, frogs, toads, water beetles, aquatic bugs, birds
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Predators of Adult Dancing jewel
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, robber flies, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Dancing jewel
Dancing jewel can do rapid backward flights, a rare ability found in very few insects.
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Scientific Classification of Dancing jewel
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Jewels
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Tips for Finding Dancing jewel
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Youth Habitat of Dancing jewel
Freshwater Habitats
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Habitat Preferences of Dancing jewel Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of dancing jewel are typically laid on aquatic plants in streams or rivers. As naiads, they inhabit the bottom of these freshwater bodies, hiding among vegetation and stones. When searching for naiads, one should gently sift through the river bed materials or inspect under submerged rocks. Adult dancing jewel, following their emergence, are often found near the same bodies of water where they developed, but they also frequent surrounding vegetation. To locate adults, one can scout areas around streams, rivers, or nearby plants, particularly looking for individuals perched on leaves or twigs during sunny days.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Dancing jewel
The best time to find adult dancing jewel is usually on warm, sunny days when they are most active, typically during late spring and summer.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Dancing jewel
Calm and sunny weather is optimal for observing dancing jewel since they are more likely to be flying and perching in areas where they can absorb sunlight.
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How and Where Can You Find Dancing jewel at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of dancing jewel are typically laid on or near water bodies. To find them, look for females depositing eggs on submerged vegetation or floating debris in clean, slow-moving streams or rivers.
Naiad Dancing jewel naiads are aquatic and can be found in the same water bodies where eggs are deposited. Look for them among underwater plants and debris or in the silt on the bottom of streams and ponds.
Adult During the emergence stage, which happens at the water's edge, dancing jewel are transitioning from naiads to adults. A safe way to observe this is to spot exuviae (shed naiadl skins) on vegetation near the water body in the early morning.
Adult dancing jewel are active fliers and frequently perch on vegetation near water. They can be found by walking slowly along the edges of streams, rivers, or bodies of water where they hunt for prey and mate. It's best to look for them during sunny periods when they are most conspicuous.
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Beneficial Effects of Dancing jewel
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Dancing jewel has an interesting predatory behavior. As a naiad, it is fully aquatic and actively hunts for small aquatic prey. After metamorphosis, the adult keeps a carnivorous diet, preying chiefly on flying insects. Quick and agile, dancing jewel captures its prey in flight, using their powerful jaws, highly adapted for snatching the likes of mosquitoes and moths right out of the air.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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